The RAC suggest motorists pack extra warm clothing and sensible shoes, take a hot drink and something to eat on potentially hazardous journeys this weekend.

A spokesman said: “Plan journeys in advance and listen to the local radio for details of blocked roads – also keep to the main roads as they are more likely to be gritted and will be patrolled by police.”

Scots councils and road agencies were heavily criticised last year when the extreme cold snap meant they had to ferry in emergency supplies of rock salt and grit from abroad.

The shocking unexpected weather forced councils to cut back on road gritting due to national salt shortages – in Renfrewshire only main roads were salted until supplies were found.

Salt was shipped from Tunisia, Italy, Spain and Germany – at sky high prices – to boost dwindling supplies.

At one point even old table salt was used to plug the gap.

Now this year all councils have put their necks on the line saying they are well prepared.

Councils across the country have had between 500 -1,000 tonnes of salt delivered this week to bring their stocks up to maximum capacity.

Argyll and Bute Council said that in ‘hard freeze’ conditions, the area would go through a maximum of 300 tonnes of salt a day – with just over 9,000 tonnes in stock.

And Clackmannanshire claim it has “more than enough” to see it through the “harshest winter”.

Away from the roads, rail operators said that their customers will see more trains and less disruption over the holiday period, compared to previous years.

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Track improvements and maintenance are scheduled for New Year’s Eve between Inverness and Edinburgh, Dundee and Edinburgh, and Inverkeithing and Edinburgh, with buses replacing trains.

Network Rail said engineering work affecting services has been cut back and rearranged as far as possible.